Winners & Losers: Lambert & Bieber

Winner: Toni Atkins

The local Democrat becomes the first San Diegan, the first lesbian and the third woman elected to the powerful Assembly speaker post. Think locally, act historically.

2

Winner: Adam Lambert

The power-belting former San Diegan ties for No. 3 (with Phillip Phillips) on the Forbes list of top-earning "American Idol" alums of 2013. Lambert's $5 million pretax payday puts him behind Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, but he'll always be the high-note honcho to us.

The Associated Press

3

Winner: Bitcoin

Visitors to two Las Vegas casinos (the D and the Golden Gate) can now pay for rooms, food and drinks with the mysterious cyber currency. Gambling debts will still be paid in credit-score tears.

John Gastaldo

4

Winner: Taylor Guitars

The El Cajon-based company celebrates its 40th anniversary with a redesign of its beloved 800 Series guitars and the tuneful thanks of pickers everywhere. Turn it way, way up.

The Associated Press

5

Winner: Netflix

The Internet video service has a boffo fourth quarter with more than $1 billion in revenue and more subscribers than ever. Champagne and "Orange is the New Black" marathons for everybody!

Loser: Justin Bieber

An early-morning Miami drag race finally nets the trouble-bound teen idol that DUI we all saw coming. May his recovery be as flawless as his mug shot.

8

Loser: The Sierra Club

The local chapter of the environmental organization may face suspension due to internal strife and conflict. Time for a very long walk around an extra big park.

The Associated Press

9

Loser: True pop love

The formerly shiny and happy Captain & Tennille divorce after 38 years, making us regret loving "Love Will Keep Us Together" more than we already do. Oh, the '70s agony.

The Associated Press

10

Loser: The NSA

A government review panel dubs the security agency's collection of Americans' phone records illegal and recommends President Obama abandon the program and destroy the records. Can we have our selfies back now?